New York Yankees defeat Boston Red Sox, 7-5

NEW YORK -- It seems so long ago now.

Forever, possibly.

With the Red Sox full of hope and just a notch below the Yankees in the American League East, the ancient rivals crowded into Fenway Park for a five-game series last month that turned from a beacon to a slaughter. That, in so many ways, effectively ended the Red Sox' hopes for a division win, a postseason berth, or playing meaningful games at the end of the season.